Let's Talk: GMG Tribute Show Gwendolyn Lightner

•Gwendolyn Rosetta Capps Lightner, was a Gospel pianist, choir director and arranger. She was born in Brookport IL – which is 400 miles South of Chicago. She studied piano with the focus on being a concert pianist. Continuing to be involved in Classical music studies in college following her graduation she moved to Chicago in the early 1940’s. •Gwendolyn began her interest in Gospel music and through that she met many of Chicago’s prominent gospel musicians like Kenneth Morris, Sallie Martin, Roberta Martin and Mahalia Jackson; whom she played for many on many of Mahalia’s tours and travels. •While Gwendolyn was a member of Emma L. Jackson Singers during 1946-47she eventually moved to Los Angeles, CA where she was very instrumental in bringing the Chicago Style Gospel Music Playing and singing. One of the major singing aggregations of over 100 voices was St. Paul Baptist Church’s Echosof Eden Choir. She was hired by the Pastor along with James Earl Hines to give the choir a “Mid-West” sound. •Gwendolyn learned the Gospel Bounce way of playing from Kenneth Morris of Chicago and added her own flare of playing and teaching throughout the Los Angeles region. •Please send me an email sharing your thoughts about this show segment also if you have any suggestions of future guests you would like to hear on the show. Send an email to [email protected] •You may also “like” and share the podcast episode; or you may Subscribe to be alerted when the newest show is published. NEW RADIO SHOW ON INTERNET RADIO STATION WMRM-DB SATURDAY MORNING 9:00 AM CST